SPECIALIZED POWER PRO MIRROR Review
The following post is once again about a saddle. After recently discussing my current saddle, today I would like to introduce you to another interesting saddle: the Specialized Power Pro Mirror.
As always, please note that English is not my native language. There may be some grammatical errors here and there. Please excuse this, as I am working to improve my skills.
Technical Specifications:
Price: €370 (as of June 13, 2022, at Bike-components), €450 for the Carbon S-Works version
Weight: 245g (in 143mm)
Available Sizes: 143mm & 155mm
Length: 248mm
Saddle Rails: 7x7mm
Pretty special!
The Specialized Power Pro Mirror was the first 3d-printed saddle and therefore has a very special look to it
My curiosity got the better of me after reading the review of my current SQ Lab saddle. Alongside the test of a good leather saddle, a 3D-printed saddle was also high on my list of things to try out. I was able to borrow the saddle for a weekend and put it to the test over approximately 350 km of varied terrain. At the same time, I also had the Flite Boost TI316 from Selle Italia on my bike occasionally, just to truly differentiate between a regular saddle and the Power Pro. For this purpose, I specifically chose not to use a suspension seatpost but rather the seatpost that comes with the URS as standard.
The saddle is special right from the moment you unpack it. Like other popular 3D-printed saddles from Fizik, the Power Pro also comes from the Carbon company in California. The tactile feel is very unique. The surface of the saddle is firmer than I expected, but at the same time, it is very soft when you press your finger into it. It's somewhat paradoxical to describe it this way, but I can't find better words for it. While the perineal area is not fully cut out, the number of honeycomb structures is significantly reduced in this region. The material at this spot is extremely soft.
In addition to its intriguing surface, the saddle is also classified as one of the shorter saddles (only 248mm), which became known primarily through Specialized's first Power model. Regular saddles are usually between 260-285mm long. But what does that actually mean in reality? Personally, I find saddles with shorter noses much more manageable. There's less material that can get in your way. For me, this means having a bit more space to shift forward and ride in a more aggressive position on the drops. However, on the Mirror version of the saddle, this is significantly harder than on the regular version because the saddle surface is extremely grippy and wants to keep you in your current seated position. It's not a negative aspect, but it does take some getting used to.
To cut a long story short, how is the comfort level then? The answer: Incomparably good!
As I mentioned earlier, I switched between the saddle and the Flite Boost (which is very similar in shape) to truly feel the difference. The result was quite one-sided. Once you've ridden on the Mirror saddle, the Selle Italia saddle almost feels inferior. Not that the latter is inherently uncomfortable, not at all, but the 3D-printed saddle simply operates in a different league. It effectively smooths out vibrations from gravel paths, as shown in the pictures below. From the road, you feel nothing or it feels like you're gliding over premium asphalt, which is truly enjoyable. I believe the saddle provides a level of comfort equivalent to having around 20-25mm of suspension travel. I couldn't feel a significant difference compared to my eeSilk+ seatpost, which has 35mm of travel. Cleaning the saddle afterwards was also hassle-free. I used a garden hose and even a low-pressure cleaner, and everything came off easily.
All in all the saddle performed flawlessly on all the surfaces shown in the pictures below
However, the saddle also has a major drawback at the moment, and that is the price. At €370, it is extremely expensive. Although it is an improvement compared to the S-Works version, which is available in Germany for €470 (and a staggering €500 in Switzerland!), it is still a hefty price tag.
POSITIVE
The comfort is out of this world. For some, the cushioning may even replace the need for a suspension seatpost.
The saddle offers two seating options for me personally: a slightly forward position for more aggressive riding on the drops or a regular position towards the rear when in the hoods.
The shorter nose doesn't get in my way as much as with saddles of normal length.
The saddle has switched to regular 7x7 saddle rails compared to the S-Works version.
NEUTRAL
The surface is extremely grippy. While it keeps you perfectly in position, it can also make it difficult to shift to a different position on the saddle.
NEGATIVE
The clear downside is the price. For €370, you could already buy a decent wheelset or tires for 3-4 years.
CONCLUSION
For me, the Specialized Power Pro Mirror is currently the absolute pinnacle when it comes to saddles. Its printed surface offers the perfect balance of a stable and comfortable feel without feeling spongy like an oversized gel saddle. It also provides noticeable damping or suspension, making some suspension seatposts unnecessary. Did I keep the saddle after all the praise? No, because I believe that even with such outstanding performance, the price is not justified. I believe we will see significantly cheaper versions with more affordable materials in 2-3 years. The latest Fizik Vento Argo R3 Adaptive, for example, is priced at "only" €250 in the market. I think €200 would be a fair offer. But until then, my trusty SQ Lab 612 will remain with me!
